NURS 6051 LITERATURE REVIEW: THE USE OF CLINICAL SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES AND EFFICIENCIES
NURS 6051 LITERATURE REVIEW: THE USE OF CLINICAL SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES AND EFFICIENCIES
In recent days with the advancement of technology, the healthcare sector has experienced a great transformation towards using technology to improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and enhance data management. Current trends are evident in the healthcare organization and nursing practice. The most prominent trends in this sector include electronic health records, mobile health apps and telemedicine. The use of electronic healthcare records is among the most prominent technological trends in the healthcare sector, electronic health records have been adopted by a growing number of institutions and healthcare providers (EHRs). Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital copies of a patient’s medical history that doctors, and other medical professionals can view from anywhere. (Tanwar et al., 2020). The adoption of EHRs has greatly impacted the healthcare sector, streamlining the data management sector, increasing health efficiency, and improving patient care. However, the introduction of Electronic Heath records has introduced a potential risk to the safety and privacy of data since hackers are able to access sensitive information regarding patients, thus resulting to a data breach.
Telemedicine is another known technological trend in the health sector currently used in healthcare organizations. Telemedicine involves using digital communication tools, such as video conferencing, to deliver healthcare services in remote areas. With the help of telemedicine, healthcare providers can diagnose and treat patients, thus reducing the need for patients to go for in-person visits (Wahezi et al., 2021). Telemedicine has proven particularly useful in remote areas experiencing a shortage of healthcare providers. However, introducing telemedicine has brought a potential challenge to patients since some areas need more access to a reliable internet connection. Thus, connectivity issues thus affecting the quality of care delivered to a patient.
Other recent healthcare technology trends that have gained traction include wearable devices and mobile health apps to monitor health progress. Wearable devices can monitor patients’ vital signs and notify healthcare providers if anything changes. At the same time, mobile health apps allow patients to test their health from the comfort of their homes (Sim, 2019). These innovations can increase the engagement of patients, reducing the need for in-person visits and enhancing patient care outcomes. However, a potential risk associated with these technologies is the accuracy of the data they collect. For instance, wearable devices may provide inaccurate readings, resulting in incorrect diagnoses and treatment plans.
Regarding data safety, legislation, and patient care, these healthcare technology trends have both come up with potential benefits and risks. One potential benefit associated with using technology in healthcare is to improve data safety and privacy. With the use of advanced security protocols, healthcare organizations can protect patients’ sensitive information from cybercriminals. However, a potential risk is the possibility of data breaches resulting from hackers accessing patients’ data. Legislation can also be a potential benefit as well as risk associated with healthcare technology trends. Legislation can protect patients’ privacy and ensure that healthcare organizations comply with regulatory requirements. However, overly restrictive legislation hinders the adoption of new technologies, thus slowing down progress in healthcare.
Regarding patient care, healthcare technology trends can significantly improve patient care outcomes. For instance, telemedicine has reduced the waiting times for patients, while mobile health apps have enabled patients to monitor their health and control their health outcomes (Wahezi et al., 2021). However, a potential risk associated with these technologies is the potential for patients to self-diagnose and self-medicate without consulting healthcare providers, which may result to adverse health outcomes.
From the above-discussed healthcare technology trends, I believe telemedicine is the most promising in the impact of healthcare technology in nursing practice. This technological trend can potentially increase efficiency in healthcare organizations (Wahezi et al., 2021). Telemedicine technological trend also has the possibility to reduce the need for patients to go for a personal visit, thus improving patient care outcomes. For instance, telemedicine can allow doctors to virtually assess and treat patients who need immediate attention, minimizing the need for visits to the emergency unit.
Healthcare technology trends are rapidly transforming the healthcare industry, potentially significantly impacting nursing practice and patient care outcomes. While telemedicine, electronic health records and mobile health apps are among the most prominent trends, there are inherent challenges and risks associated with these technologies. Data safety and privacy, the accuracy of data collected, and patient self-diagnosis and self-medication are potential risks that healthcare organizations and nursing professionals must consider. However, these trends offer potential benefits such as improving the privacy and safety of data, increasing efficiency, and improving patient outcomes. Of all these trends, telemedicine is regarded as the most promising for impacting nursing practice, as it has the potential to increase efficiency, reduce in-person visits, and improve patient care outcomes. By embracing these trends while mitigating associated risks, healthcare organizations and nursing professionals can leverage technology to deliver better patient care and drive positive outcomes in the healthcare industry.
